Community Partnerships
![Missouri Vocational Rehab (VR)]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1720535802/ssdmoorg/i60ani1rlmk79zckfwwd/DSC_0273.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1720535802/ssdmoorg/i60ani1rlmk79zckfwwd/DSC_0273.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1720535802/ssdmoorg/i60ani1rlmk79zckfwwd/DSC_0273.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1720535802/ssdmoorg/i60ani1rlmk79zckfwwd/DSC_0273.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1720535802/ssdmoorg/i60ani1rlmk79zckfwwd/DSC_0273.jpg","width":1600}])
VR works with students receiving special education services throughout St. Louis County, most closely with those in their junior and senior years. The organization supports students’ exploration of work and the steps needed to reach their goals. Many students participate in VR’s summer work program, where students are paid to work 120 hours over six weeks.
![Lou Fusz]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1705945293/ssdmoorg/yqay2kfrvs6hb8lffqhl/JulieElking-RandyHarman-Headshots-MARCH2023.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1705945293/ssdmoorg/yqay2kfrvs6hb8lffqhl/JulieElking-RandyHarman-Headshots-MARCH2023.png","width":500}])
Randy Harman and Julie Elking, talent acquisition professionals at Lou Fusz, were presented with a 2023 Special Ambassador Award for their partnership with North and South Tech High Schools. The seeds of this partnership were planted when Harman attended a seminar regarding the impending retirement of the Baby Boomer generation. He was prompted to investigate the implications this may have on his workplace and found that 27% of their technicians were set to retire in three years. That’s when Harman started to talk with students at career and technical education schools, beginning with post-secondary.
![Mercy]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1705945337/ssdmoorg/cwzm8cdt0ksnqldvcbt0/Mercy-PartnershipSpotlight2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1705945337/ssdmoorg/cwzm8cdt0ksnqldvcbt0/Mercy-PartnershipSpotlight2.jpg","width":500}])
As a teaching hospital, Mercy has long been familiar with what it takes to train new residents and student nurses. They have taken that knowledge and extended that to SSD students - welcoming them to the workforce, providing proper training, and including them as equals.
![Schnucks]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1705945344/ssdmoorg/kmcnwdumpqcnpjqxqxku/SantosLoida.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1705945344/ssdmoorg/kmcnwdumpqcnpjqxqxku/SantosLoida.jpg","width":300}])
There is a lot that happens in a grocery store. Keeping items on the shelf is only part of the equation. Items must be turned to face forward, stocked by date, removed if expired, and placed in the correct spot. These are just a few of the tasks required to make sure grocery items get from the store to your home, and at Schnucks in Des Peres, SSD students are completing them.